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Twere better to be born a stone Of ruder shape, and…

“Twere better to be born a stone Of ruder shape, and feeling none, Than with a tenderness like mine And sensibilities so fine! Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell Forever in my native shell, Ordained to move when others please, Not for my own content or ease; But toss'd and buffeted about, Now…” quote by William Cowper
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“Twere better to be born a stone Of ruder shape, and feeling none, Than with a tenderness like mine And sensibilities so fine! Ah, hapless wretch! condemn'd to dwell Forever in my native shell, Ordained to move when others please, Not for my own content or ease; But toss'd and buffeted about, Now in the water and now out.”

William Cowper

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human existence feels confined, yearning for freedom beyond imposed constraints.

In simple terms: Feeling trapped by circumstances.

Key Takeaway

Seek inner freedom and purpose.

Themes

existence freedom constraint

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • spiritual quest
  • social oppression

Key Concepts

existentialism self-awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • What constraints bind you?
  • How can you expand your horizons?
A Different Perspective

Freedom may be illusory without action.

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